Plateau Attacks: Angry residents protest killings, demand withdrawal of military
Residents Protest Military Presence Amid Insecurity in Barkin Ladi
GASHISH, Plateau State — Thousands of residents in Gashish, Kassa District, took to the streets on Monday to voice their frustration over ongoing violence in the area. The demonstration followed a series of attacks attributed to terrorists and bandits, raising concerns about the effectiveness of military protection in the region.
Despite the presence of soldiers and a military checkpoint, protesters destroyed the checkpoint and demanded the withdrawal of military personnel from their communities. They argue that troops have failed to address the persistent threats posed by suspected Fulani gunmen.
Demonstrators criticized the military for not adequately responding to distress calls during attacks. Many expressed their discontent over the lack of action that has allowed violence to continue unabated.
“Despite the soldiers being here, we are still dying,” said Mercy Dachung, one of the protest leaders. “If they cannot protect us, they should leave our land.”
Other protestors echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the military’s presence may be ineffective or even complicit in the violence. “We demand their withdrawal, as they cannot protect us. We, the youths of Kassa, are prepared to defend our communities,” asserted youth leader Dung Peter.
Ibrahim John, another participant, expressed similar frustration. “We have suffered for too long at the hands of these attackers,” he said. “We have lost confidence in the military. They should return to their barracks, as their presence here is not helping us.”
Efforts to obtain comments from Captain Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for Operation Enduring Peace, were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls or messages before this report was published.
